Anna Wintour to receive BFC Outstanding Achievement Award

The Vogue editor-in-chief already has an OBE, but the British Fashion Council went one better

The British Fashion Council has announced that Anna Wintour will be honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2014 British Fashion Awards.

The legendary (and fearsome) American Vogueeditor-in-chief and Condé Nast artistic director will receive the award for her tremendous contribution to the fashion industry. Over her decades-long career in fashion, Wintour has headed up both American and British editions of Vogue, helped to raise over $20 million for HIV/AIDS outreach through the CFDA/Vogue Initiative, and mentored a tonne of emerging designers who are now household names.

"Anna Wintour is awe-inspiring; her dedication and passion to the fashion industry, her work ethic, and her unwavering support of young talent are truly unique," Christopher Kane said in a statement. "I owe so much to Anna for believing in me since the very beginning; without her loyal support and friendship over the past 10 years I would not be where I am today."

British Fashion Council chairman Natalie Massenet MBE added: "There isn't a person working in fashion who has not been inspired and influenced by Anna's leadership.This is why we are honouring Anna at this year's British Fashion Awards. An editor, business woman, philanthropist, mother, friend and icon; this award recognises and celebrates her extraordinary contribution to the global fashion industry and to popular culture."

It's one more string for Wintour to add to her bow: the Queen appointed her an OBE in 2008. Past winners of the Outstanding Achievement Award include Sir Paul Smith and Mahnolo Blahnik. Alexander McQueen was given the award posthumously in 2010.

The awards ceremony is set to take place at the London Coliseum on 1 December.